If you are new to cooking seafood, shrimp is the easiest to start with, in my opinion. This easy baked shrimp recipe is so simple a 4 year old child can make it. It is tasty and versatile.
Shrimp is one of the staples you should keep in your freezer at all times. It takes just minutes to defrost and even fewer minutes to cook. It’s delicious. And it’s nutritious. It is low in fat and calories and high in protein. It is also high in Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. It is also an antioxidant that is linked to brain and heart health.
For most people, dietary cholesterol may not have a big effect on blood cholesterol levels. If this worries you, know that it has cholesterol in it. Unless you doctor advised you not to eat shrimp, you shouldn’t worry about it.
Cooking shrimp can sometimes be tricky. It’s easy to overcook them, turning plump, juicy shrimp into little rubbery curlicues. But baking shrimp at 350°F is a foolproof way to get tender, flavorful shrimp off your baking sheet and onto your dinner table.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about how long to bake shrimp at 350°F. You’ll learn how to easily prepare baked shrimp with crispy edges and moist, opaque centers. No more guessing when they’ll be done!
Why Bake Shrimp at 350°F?
Baking shrimp in the oven has a few advantages over other cooking methods
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It cooks the shrimp evenly all over without the need to stir or flip them.
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The high heat helps caramelize the outside while sealing in moisture inside
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Minimal added fat is needed compared to frying or sauteing.
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You can bake a large batch at once – perfect for entertaining!
Baking at 350°F is ideal for shrimp. This temperature is hot enough to quickly cook the exterior while gently heating the interior. The result is tender, non-rubbery shrimp in around 10 minutes.
How Long Does It Take to Bake Shrimp at 350°F?
When baking shrimp at 350°F, the cooking time can vary slightly depending on a few factors:
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Size of shrimp – Smaller shrimp cook faster. Large shrimp (26-30 per pound) take 9-13 minutes. Jumbo shrimp may need a couple more minutes.
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Frozen vs. thawed – Thawed shrimp cook a little faster than frozen since they don’t need to thaw. Frozen shrimp can take 12-15 minutes.
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Quantity – A full baking sheet takes a few minutes longer than a small batch.
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Oven variances – All ovens heat a little differently.
The general timeline for baked shrimp at 350°F is:
- Extra small (36-40 per pound): 7-9 minutes
- Medium (31-35 per pound): 8-10 minutes
- Large (26-30 per pound): 9-13 minutes
- Jumbo (16-20 per pound): 11-14 minutes
For best results, check your shrimp at the lower end of the time range for doneness. It’s easy to bake them longer if needed.
How to Tell When Shrimp Are Done Baking
Color and texture are the best ways to determine baked shrimp doneness:
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Color – The flesh should be opaque and solid pink or orange, with no translucency.
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Texture – Shrimp should feel firm yet still tender and juicy. They shouldn’t be mushy.
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Shape – Look for a tight C-shape curl. Shrimp overcook in intense heat, causing them to curl completely.
An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. Shrimp are safely cooked at an internal temperature of 145°F. For the best texture, cook to 155-160°F.
Step-By-Step Guide for Baking Shrimp at 350°F
Follow these simple steps for foolproof baked shrimp every time:
1. Prep the shrimp
Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove shells and tails if desired. Defrost frozen shrimp before baking.
2. Toss in seasoning
In a bowl, drizzle shrimp with 1-2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle on desired seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Arrange on baking sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding.
4. Bake at 350°F
Bake shrimp for 9-13 minutes depending on size. Check frequently near the end of cooking time.
5. Finish with flavorings
Once done baking, toss shrimp with any extra flavorings like fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, diced garlic, or grated Parmesan cheese.
And that’s all there is to it! With this simple baking method, you’ll have restaurant-quality shrimp coming off your own baking sheet.
More Tips for Perfect Baked Shrimp
Here are a few additional tips to take your baked shrimp to the next level:
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Use a baking rack or broiler pan to allow hot air flow under the shrimp for even cooking.
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Brush shrimp with melted butter or olive oil before seasoning for enhanced browning and moisture.
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For spicier shrimp, add a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or Creole seasoning to the oil and seasonings.
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Finish off the shrimp with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavors.
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Chilling cooked shrimp in the fridge before serving allows flavors to soak in fully.
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Store leftover baked shrimp covered in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
With the proper baking time and temperature, you’ll have tender shrimp with a slight snap when you bite into them. No more worries about under or overcooked shrimp!
Now that you know exactly how long to bake shrimp at 350°F, you can serve up this quick and easy baked seafood for your next appetizer, main course, salad topping or as a stuffing for tacos or sandwiches. This versatile cooking method lets you get tasty shrimp on your table fast any night of the week.
What shrimp to buy
If you live by the coast, fresh-off-the-boat shrimp are of course the best. But frozen shrimp are actually fresher than most “fresh”. Let me clarify this. Frozen shrimp in the freezer section of your grocery store freeze almost right away after being caught off the shrimp boat. This preserves their freshness right up until you decide to thaw them. It’s likely that most of the “fresh” shrimp you see on ice at the store was frozen in the same way and then thawed by the staff. Which means they’re actually getting less fresh with every passing hour. If you’re not sure that the “fresh” shrimp at the store are really straight from the boat, it’s better to buy frozen shrimp.
Wild caught shrimp is always preferable. If all you can find is farm-raised, make sure the package says they are raised sustainably and responsibly. Look for shrimp certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, Aquaculture Stewardship Council, Best Aquaculture Practices, or Naturland. And in doubt, use the Monterrey Aquarium Seafood Watch guide to determine if your shrimp source is sustainable.
For this recipe, I strongly recommend buying the larger kind of shrimp labeled as “26 to 30 per pound” (or extra-large). If you use smaller shrimp, you will need to slightly reduce the cooking time, and if you use larger shrimp, increase it.
How to make this recipe
You will need my favorite cooking tool: a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to make clean-up easier. Preheat your oven to 400F.
Thaw your shrimp if using frozen shrimp, then pat it dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl.
Add a tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle your spices of choice and toss well. The spices given in this recipe are just an example. You can experiment with lots of other combinations of spices and herbs. Keep it mild or kick it up with some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Add an exotic curry spice mix, or a Cajun blackening mix. Sprinkle your favorite dried herbs. Go wild! Just one recommendation: do not add salt. Shrimp are naturally high in sodium and do not require any added salt for cooking.
Lay the shrimp out in a single layer on your baking sheet. Place it in the oven and bake 7 minutes. Don’t flip the shrimp while they’re baking; just let them do their thing in the oven…
Once you take off the sheet, the food is ready to eat. You can add lemon juice or leave it as is.
Juicy Baked Shrimp. A must try recipe
How long to bake shrimp at 350?
If baked in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F, your shrimp should take between 9-13 minutes to bake, however, keep in mind that this timing can vary as it depends on the oven you are using. How Long To Bake Shrimp At 350 In Oven?
How long do you cook cooked shrimp in the oven?
Place prepared shrimp onto wire rack. Bake 10-13 minutes. Store leftover baked shrimp in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350F oven on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
How long to cook frozen shrimp in oven?
Large shrimp (16-20 count) typically take 10-15 minutes to bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the specific recipe or oven temperature. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp For Oven Baking?
How long to cook shrimp at 400?
How Long to Cook Shrimp at 400…. 6-10 minutes based on size How Long to Bake Shrimp at 450…5-8 minutes based on size – do not recommend baking at this temp. We recommend using the large shrimp if this is your first time cooking shrimp this way as they are larger and easier to control through cooking.